Educational institutions are becoming a prime target for cybercriminals as the new school year begins
Cybercriminals know no boundaries when it comes to the scale, size and organization they target. As long as there is data to steal, they will launch an attack.
Historically, these cybercriminals have targeted large brands with valuable data, but these companies often have the resources to invest in advanced firewalls and robust security measures to protect their information.
That’s why cybercriminals are now focusing on easier targets, such as educational institutions.
Why are educational institutions a key target?
According to a recent report from NordLayer, cyberattacks on educational institutions have increased by 37% compared to last year.
This alarming statistic shows the growing vulnerability of schools, colleges and universities in the face of evolving cyber threats. Following security best practices, such as using unique and strong passwords, should now be a priority for all members of the academic community.
The academic sector is particularly attractive to cybercriminals for a number of reasons. Schools and universities manage vast amounts of sensitive information, including personal student and teacher data, financial records, and valuable research data. The rise of online learning has only added to the complexity of managing cybersecurity, introducing more infrastructure, software platforms, and endpoints that can be exploited.
Additionally, educational institutions often struggle with limited budgets and inadequate cybersecurity measures, making it difficult to protect against advanced cyberthreats. Both K-12 and higher education institutions have been frequent targets of ransomware, with 80% of K-12 providers and 79% of higher education institutions reportedly falling victim to attacks, causing significant disruption to academic activities and potentially leading to long-term damage to an institution’s reputation.
In addition to the financial impact, data breaches can lead to identity theft, reputational damage, and legal ramifications for educational institutions. Protecting sensitive information is not just about protecting financial assets, but also about maintaining trust and integrity in the academic community. Unfortunately, cyberattacks in the education sector continue to increase. In fact, it currently outpaces other high-risk sectors such as government, healthcare, and finance this year.
A UK Government Survey found that 86% of colleges and universities reported experiencing a cyber breach or attack in the past year.
To combat the growing threat of cyberattacks, educational institutions must take a proactive approach to cybersecurity. Regular software and system updates are essential to protect against known vulnerabilities. Training staff and students to recognize phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics can reduce the risk of human error leading to a breach.
Educational institutions should also strategically invest in cybersecurity infrastructure, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption technologies. Additionally, conducting regular assessments of current cybersecurity measures can help identify weaknesses and areas for improvement.
“Educational institutions must prioritize cybersecurity and implement measures that promote a culture of digital awareness among students and staff,” says Andrius Buinovskis, Head of Product at NordLayer.
“The stakes are especially high at the start of the new academic year for educational institutions, and they must be prepared for cyberattacks… Every member of the academic community — from students to faculty — must play an active role in cybersecurity. Simple but effective practices like using strong, unique passwords and learning to recognize phishing attempts can significantly improve an institution’s security posture,” Buinovskis concluded.